Overview
Truist Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States, formed by the merger of SunTrust and BB&T, serving millions of customers with over $500 billion in assets. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Truist and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers Truist's Estate Resolution Team, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Truist operates in 15 states and Washington D.C., so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
Truist has a dedicated team to handle deceased accounts, often referred to as the Estate Resolution Team or Client Services for estates.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Truist Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Truist Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Truist, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call the Estate Resolution Team
Contact Truist's estate services team directly to avoid general customer service delays:
- Phone: (800) 789-3113
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM ET
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Provide a case number or reference number — write this down
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Confirm the specific mailing address for your region (Truist uses a central processing center in Orlando, FL for most estate documents)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the following to Truist's estate processing center. Note: Always verify the address during your initial call, as it may vary by account type (e.g., mortgage vs. checking).
See the complete document checklist below. The specific documents depend on the account type and estate situation.
Mail to:
Truist Estate Resolution Team
P.O. Box 622227
Orlando, FL 32862
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Truist receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment letter: 7–10 business days
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Beneficiary accounts: Funds are typically issued via check or transferred to a new Truist account.
- Estate accounts: Funds are transferred to a court-approved estate account (requires a new EIN).
Required Documents
Documents Truist Bank Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | 1 certified copy is usually sufficient; Truist may return it upon request |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Truist estate claim form | Provided by the agent after notification |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Copy of the will | Certified or regular copy (depending on state) |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form — check our state probate guides |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by Truist |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Proves the successor trustee's authority |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Truist Bank Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. Funds remain accessible throughout, though the account may be briefly frozen for review.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and beneficiary claim form. No probate required.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. No probate required.
Timeline: 15–30 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court.
Timeline: 3–12+ months depending on probate
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Truist will freeze credit cards immediately. Outstanding balances are an estate obligation. For mortgages, the estate or heir must continue payments to avoid foreclosure.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Truist Bank Process
Truist Bank operates primarily in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic (AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, DC), but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:
- Whether probate is required and how long it takes
- Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
- Community property rules — relevant in TX (a community property state where Truist operates)
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary administration available for small estates |
| North Carolina | $20,000 ($30,000 if spouse) | No | Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property used frequently |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Muniment of Title is a unique, faster probate option |
| Virginia | $50,000 | No | Small Estate Affidavit requires 60-day waiting period |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Truist Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 10–15 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 15–30 business days | Trust certification + death cert |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Waiting period varies by state |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | Named beneficiary required |
Truist is known for strict document review; ensure all forms are signed and notarized exactly as requested to avoid delays.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Truist
Withdrawing funds via ATM or online transfer after the date of death can be flagged as fraud. Always wait for the official process.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds.
FDIC Coverage Changes
For joint bank accounts, FDIC coverage drops from $500,000 to $250,000 when a joint owner dies. There is a 6-month grace period to restructure accounts.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number from your initial call
- Send documents via certified mail with return receipt
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other institutions, the court, and government agencies.
Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled
Notify billers and payers separately.